Since Free Fire was written, three things have happened:
Scientists and geological engineers have begun serious research into whether microbes introduced to coal seams can produce natural gas or liquified fuel;
The National Park Services in Yellowstone has begun public hearings regarding the exclusive contractsto research firms for the bio-mining of unique thermafiles;
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming has contactedfellow lawmakers with the purpose of future federal legislation to close the Yellowstone "Zone of Death" loophole.
The author would like to thank those who contributed to this novel. First and foremost, Brian C. Kalt, Michigan State University College of Law, for writing "The Perfect Crime," a Legal Studies Research Paper Series. Those interestedin the official citation (Georgetown Law Journal, vol. 93sss, pg. 675) can look it up at papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=691642. Mr. Kalt's assistancewith technical aspects of the law and his theory were invaluable. Additionally, thanks to U.S. District Judge Alan Johnson in Cheyenne for reviewing the premiseand Wyoming game wardens Mark and Mari Nelson, as always, for reading the manuscript and offering their expertise.
In Yellowstone, I thank those who provided backgroundand documentation, including Cheryl Matthews, Brian S. Smith, Judy M. Jennings, Mike Keller, Bob Olig, and my friend Rick Hoeninghausen. The wonderful book Old Faithful Inn: Crown Jewel of National Park Lodges, Karen Wildung Reinhart and Jeff Henry, Roche Jaune Pictures, Inc., 2004, was a helpful resource as well.
My deepest appreciation for the hard work, loyalty, and dedication of Team Putnam: Ivan Held, Michael Barson,Katie Grinch, Tom Colgan, and my new editor Rachel Kahan.
And thanks to Don Hajicek for www.cjbox.net and the wonderful Ann Rittenberg for being Ann Rittenberg. Turn the page for a preview of Blood Trail
The next Joe Pickett Novel by C. J. Box
Available in hardcover from G. P. Putnam's Sons May 2008